Congratulations! You have decided to visit Guadeloupe islands!
It’s time to start planning your travel. It will not be the easiest part of the adventure. You may be overwhelmed with the huge amount of information available on the Internet. Or on the contrary, especially if you speak english, you may have some difficulties to find quality information in english to organize your trip.
This post will answer the more frequent questions you will face while planning your travel to Guadeloupe islands and at the end you will able to:
When is the best period to travel in Guadeloupe islands? How long to stay?
These questions seem obvious but it’s the crucial questions you need to answer. They will define your budget, your type of accommodation and your itinerary.
To answer this question, you should take in account 2 things.
The first one will be the season. We have two major seasons:
It’s a perfect season to travel in Guadeloupe. Firstly, the climate is supposed to be sunnier, warmer and without hurricanes. Moreover, during this period you will leave the winter season in Europe, USA, Canada to enjoy a temperature of 28°C at least. This season is also the high tourist season so all the restaurants, hotels, bars, activities will be open. However, this season is also the most expensive and the most crowded one. You will probably join more people on the beach, in the hotels, in the restaurants.
The weather is a little bit more unstable. That means that you can face more rainy, cloudy days. But, keep in mind that Guadeloupe is a tropical island and you will always enjoy warm weather and sunny days. Besides, during this period, you will benefit from low prices. The flight ticket, the accommodation and the activities will be more affordable. To finish, the islands will host less visitors, that means the opportunity to enjoy the beaches, the rivers, the waterfalls alone.
I think may and june mix the benefits of the two seasons: great weather and more affordable prices.
You should also consider the events, festivals taking place during your holidays period.
My travel philosophy is to feel the place, not only visit it. Therefore, I will advice you to select, if possible, your travel accordingly with events taking place in Guadeloupe. Experience these authentic sharing moments of Guadeloupe life will bring you, for sure, unforgettable memories.
At this stage, I hope you have all the information you need to chose the period of your next holidays in Guadeloupe.
My advice is to stay at least 10 days. Indeed, you should know that Guadeloupe is an archipelago of fives islands with each their own identity. You will need time to discover them. Besides, Guadeloupe islands have a diversity of landscapes, from lush rainforest to white sandy beaches. You will have a lot of spots to discover. So, a ten days travel will allow you to enjoy a great picture of Guadeloupe beauties, without being in a hurry.
Guadeloupe islands is a “multi-destination” travel experience. The diversity of our landscapes (white beaches, crystal clear water, lush forest, …), the multitude of activities (diving, surfing, canyoning, hiking) and the rich cultural heritage multiply endlessly the type of holidays you can experience there.
So, I advice to think about what would you like to experience in Guadeloupe. What will look like your “UNIQUE” holiday trip? These answers will allow you to select the best place to stay.
For instance, if:
At this stage, you have all my advices to define the best place to stay in Guadeloupe accordingly with your wishes for your trip.
Stay connected, in the part 2 of this post (next week), I will help you with the remaining steps: the booking part and the building of your itinerary.
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Polly | 22nd Sep 16
Thank you Vitty, your blog is very nice to read! I am coming for 10 days for Carnival and after. Guadeloupe seems like such an interesting place, I am so looking forward to it. I’m trying to figure out where to stay because I am from New Orleans where we also have Carnival, and I don’t want to be stuck in the thick of tourists, but I do want to experience some culture and music! Am wondering if the smaller downs on Basse Terre have a good, less touristy carnival… other than that I am interested mainly in snorkeling and nature. I also want to visit the towns of Pointe a Pitre and Basse Terre to see the history and culture and if it is anything like home. I don’t expect personalized advice, but if you do have any to give, I am certainly grateful for it!
Vitty | 22nd Sep 16
Hello!! I’ m glad you enjoyed the blog. I love sharing my love of Guadeloupe islands! Accordingly with your wishes (authentic carnival, culture, nature, snorkeling, …) You should definitely stay near Pointe-Noire, Deshaies. You will be closed to rainforest to enjoy its beauties, close to great snorkeling spots (beach of Petite Anse, for instance ) and this area is not too touristy. For the carnival, don’t be worried, Carnival is really a huge moment of sharing for Guadeloupean people, so wherever you go you will be immersed in the local atmosphere of Carnival. Moreover, do you know that you can join a carnival band during your stay and by this way enjoy Carnival from inside?
Polly | 23rd Sep 16
I am so thankful to hear that!! I have had my eye on Pointe Noire, but couldn’t find any information – which I took as a good sign that it maybe has fewer tourists :o) but not sure. Thank you so much, I am so excited to get to see Carnival and this beautiful place you’re lucky to be from. Here we dance through the streets at Carnival and it sounds like in Guadeloupe the same. I can’t wait to be a part, thank you so much Vitty, I don’t feel so lost!
5 steps to plan your trip in Guadeloupe islands (part 2) - Guadeloupe For You | 27th Sep 16
[…] You have probably ever read the part 1 of this post “5 steps to plan your trip in Guadeloupe islands”. If not, you can read it there. […]
Germaine | 25th Oct 16
Bonjour, nous allons avec des amis en Guadeloupe au mois de Décembre. Nous avons loue une maison a sainte-Anne. Quelles sont les choses absolument a voir. Nous restons 2 semaines. Merci de vos bons conseils.
Vitty | 28th Oct 16
Bonjour Germaine!
Félicitation! La Guadeloupe c’est un endroit magique! Je suis persuadée que vous allez y trouver votre bonheur 😉
2 semaines c’est une durée idéale de séjour pour réellement profiter des multiples facettes de la Guadeloupe. C’est une destination qui a tant de choses à offrir, il y en a pour chaque goût!
Je te conseille chaudement une journée à la Pointe des Châteaux. C’est un endroit merveilleux qui permet de vivre de véritables expériences.
Jette un oeil sur mon article à ce sujet pour avoir des idées.
J’adore également passé du bon temps du côté de l’île des Saintes. Le “must” est d’y passer une nuit pour profiter de l’île au calme.
Ne manque pas un samedi matin à Pointe-à-Pitre. Le coeur de la ville vibre avec le Gwoka, la musique traditionnelle de la Guadeloupe au son de notre tambour le Ka. J’ai fait un article à ce sujet. .
Enfin, la découverte de notre volcan endormi la soufrière est une belle aventure!
Je serai ravie de te concocter un voyage à ton image. Avec un séjour de 2 semaines, vous pouvez réellement avoir un merveilleux voyage. La Guadeloupe regorge d’endroits magnifiques que je peux vous aider à vivre, à ressentir comme un local.
N’hésite pas à me contacter par mail.
Vitty
Kim | 20th Feb 17
Hi Vitty, I just discovered your blog during my research on the Guadeloupe Islands. I want to visit the island for a few days next month or early April. I want to go to relax, I’ve been needing to get away. Is Sainte-Anne a good place to visit? Also, I don’t speak French but I really want to experience what Guadeloupe has to offer. Thanks for your help! 🙂
Vitty | 22nd Feb 17
Hello,
Glad to see that you decided to discover my awesome islands. It’s really a secret beautiful destination. There are activities, place to visit for each needs. I saw you want to rest, relax in Guadeloupe islands.
I will be glad to help you but I need to know in deeper details your expectations for this trip? How long you will stay in Guadeloupe islands? Which types of activities do you like? Do you prefer rainforest activities (hiking, waterfalls) or marine environment (beach, snorkeling, diving)?
Let me know on vitty@guadeloupeforyou.com.
Vitty